Work has begun on the third and final stage of Pitlochry Golf Club’s ground-breaking Centre for Excellence project, with a new 6 hole short course due for completion this month.

The scenic course below Ben Y Vrackie is undergoing the biggest development in its history; adding practice facilities that will make Pitlochry one of Scotland’s leading golfing destinations.

Earlier this year a new driving range was opened with 6 indoor and 5 outdoor bays, teaching bays and target greens.

That facility, built with financial assistance from Perth and Kinross Council, Sportscotland and landlord Charles Butter, has already proved to be a magnet for Highland Perthshire golfers.

Now the Club’s Directors have brought forward the timetable for the remaining sections.

Contractors, Landscapes Scotland, and Old Faskally Farming Co are now at the club to complete the 6 hole Par 3 short course which will enable players at all stages of development to hone their skills.

It is expected this final stage will be completed this month, with an opening of Autumn 2014.

Next Spring, a new short game practice area will also be opened, complete with a range of bunkers.

With this revised timetable in place, the entire development will be complete by Autumn 2014, just as Ryder Cup fever grips Scotland.

“This is another vital phase and it is great we have been able to bring the timetable forward,” said Director Stephen Carruthers.

“On completion, you will be able to practice every element of your game, from driving and long game work right down to the shortest putt. You will even be able to practice fairway bunker shots. The new short course, under construction just now, will be a great way to introduce kids and beginners to the game, as well as fine tune the short game of more experienced players. With this facility, families who are maybe visiting Pitlochry will be able to come up and play for an hour or so giving the town another holiday activity. It means everyone can get involved in golf here. The developments are creating a real upsurge of interest in the club. There were people before who didn’t even know Pitlochry had a golf club. Now they do and they are aware of the standard of facilities we are creating.”

As a direct result of the investment programme, Pitlochry Golf Club will be able to provide junior lessons all through the winter of 2013/2014.

Creating future generations, Directors believe, will be one of the legacies of the project.

“No matter the weather now, we can give the kids lessons inside. Having a junior programme all winter will be great for us,” added Stephen Carruthers.

“It will enble us to retain the kids and bring others in to practice here. Over the winter, there is less competition from other sports so it can only benefit the young players’ game, which is one of our goals as a club.”

At present, officials and members are mulling over names for the new short course.